Affinity hands out Powersports Awards

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Representatives from all sectors of the powersports industry gathered May 7 for Affinity Powersports Media’s annual Powersports Awards banquet. Powersports Business and its sister consumer magazines Rider, ATV Magazine, ATV Sport, Watercraft World and Trailer Boats handed out awards to the best in the business.

Powersports Business selected KYMCO USA President Eric Bondy as executive of the year. His company has stood out among other new entry OEMs. In a down year, Bondy and his staff were able to increase retail sales in both of KYMCO USA’s major categories.

The motorcycle of the year was the Kawasaki Concours 14, according to Rider. The bike was chosen for its performance, handling, comfort, value, reliability and practicality. The Concours 14’s list of standard features helped lock in its selection for the year’s top motorcycle.

ATV Magazine chose the Polaris Sportsman 800 Touring for ATV of the year. Recognizing that comfort extends beyond feel, Polaris appealed to the visual senses with alloy wheels and automotive-style painted plastic, the magazine said of its choice.

ATV Sport picked Can-Am’s DS 450 as sport quad of the year. Can-Am engineers added many ATV firsts in designing the DS, according to the magazine. In addition, the company backed the machine with a large racing effort on the pro and amateur level.

The watercraft of the year award was given to the Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO, according to Watercraft World magazine. The award was given based on innovation, market appeal and long-term impact on the industry. The company not only used nanotechnology in the craft’s design, but also included the industry’s first cruise control and no-wake setting.

Trailer Boats selected Ford’s F-250 Turbodiesel Crew Cab 4WD as its tow vehicle of the year. The magazine was looking for towing power and smooth non-towing performance and found it in the F-250 Turbodiesel. The truck earned top marks in ride and handling, engine/transmission performance, visibility and interior comfort.

To view a replay of the awards banquet broadcast, visit www.powersports.com and click on the Affinity Media Awards Banquet link.